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Can You Really Have Broken Heart Syndrome?

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By Editorial Team

3 min read

Sometimes, emotional or stressful situations can damage the heart. This condition is called broken heart syndrome, or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. You may have heard its most extreme form referred to as "dying of a broken heart."1-3

Broken heart syndrome makes the lower left part of the heart larger and weakens the heart. The condition requires immediate medical attention. But with the right treatment, the symptoms and damage to the heart can go away over time.1-3

What causes broken heart syndrome?

Experts do not know exactly what causes broken heart syndrome. It may be related to the stress hormones released during traumatic events. Situations that cause a lot of stress or sadness are linked with broken heart syndrome. These can be situations leading to either physical or emotional stress, such as:1-4

  • Death of a loved one
  • Going through a divorce or breakup
  • Getting bad news
  • Being surprised
  • Experiencing intense fear
  • Accidents that cause major injury
  • Suffering from another major illness
  • Surgery
  • Using stimulant drugs (either prescription or recreational)

Even happy events or getting good news can cause broken heart syndrome.3

Who is at a higher risk?

Certain factors can put you at a higher risk for broken heart syndrome. These include:1,5

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  • Sex – Women are at a much higher risk than men. Roughly 88 percent of cases of broken heart syndrome occur in women. Women who have hit menopause are at the highest risk.
  • Age – Broken heart syndrome is more common in older people, especially those over the age of 50.
  • Mental health conditions – People living with certain mental health disorders, like anxiety or depression, are at a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of broken heart syndrome?

The symptoms of this condition are similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. Some of the common symptoms include:1,4

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Cold sweats
  • Lightheadedness
  • Irregular heartbeat

Many people, especially women, experience different symptoms of heart attack. These symptoms might also appear during broken heart syndrome. These can include:6

  • Discomfort in the chest (this could include feeling heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in the arms or shoulder
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Neck pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Back pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Excessive sweating
  • Confusion

In more serious cases, broken heart syndrome can lead to cardiogenic shock. This is when the heart is not able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.1,3

Broken heart syndrome versus heart attack

Broken heart syndrome and heart attack have similar symptoms. But they are 2 different conditions. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. In broken heart syndrome, there is nothing physically blocking the blood flow to the heart. Broken heart syndrome makes the lower left side of the heart larger and weaker.3

Also, broken heart syndrome responds to treatment faster than heart attack. The symptoms resolve within a few weeks after starting treatment.3

How is broken heart syndrome diagnosed?

Several tests can be used to diagnose broken heart syndrome:2,4

  • Blood tests can be used to check for signs of heart damage.
  • An electrocardiogram (EKG) is used to measure electrical signals in the heart. It can tell whether the heartbeat is abnormal.
  • Imaging tests may be used to see what the heart looks like and how it is beating. For example, an echocardiogram (aka echo) uses sound waves to make images of the heart. In broken heart syndrome, the lower left part of the heart moves abnormally and bulges out. This can be seen in an echo.
  • A coronary angiogram may be used to see any blockages in the arteries near the heart. It uses a dye and X-rays to see the blood flow near the heart.

Treatment for broken heart syndrome

Treatment for broken heart syndrome depends on your symptoms. Drugs used to treat heart failure are often used to treat broken heart syndrome. These can include:2,4

  • Beta-blockers
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Blood thinners
  • Diuretics (water pills)

For people under a lot of stress, stress reduction strategies might help lower their chances of developing broken heart syndrome. These methods include:5

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Talking to a therapist
  • Physical activity
  • Being socially active

Broken heart syndrome can be treated to reach full recovery. However, sometimes the condition can come back or cause other heart problems. In these cases, your doctor may recommend continuing treatment long-term. In very rare cases, broken heart syndrome can result in death.2,4,5

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.

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